2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class vs 2026 Audi Q8

$61,850 · Crossover

$75,600 · Crossover

Comparison Overview

Choosing between the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and the 2026 Audi Q8 often boils down to prioritizing immediate savings versus robust performance. The GLE-Class offers a compelling entry point with an MSRP of $61,850, significantly undercutting the Audi Q8's $75,600 price tag—a difference of $13,750. While the Mercedes provides better day-to-day running costs, netting 23 MPG combined compared to the Q8’s 19 MPG combined, it sacrifices raw power. The Audi boasts 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque, easily outpacing the GLE's 255 hp output. Despite being slightly shorter in length at 194.3 inches versus the Q8’s 196.0 inches, the Mercedes still offers competitive utility, although the Q8 edges it out slightly in cargo space at 33.7 cu ft.

Size Comparison

Performance

Fuel Efficiency

Full Specifications

Our Verdicts

🚗 Best for Commuters

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The GLE-Class wins for commuters due to its superior combined fuel economy of 23 MPG compared to the Q8’s 19 MPG.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Best for Families

2026 Audi Q8

The Q8 is the better family pick because its standard All-Wheel Drive provides better traction security than the standard RWD setup of the GLE-Class.

🏎️ Best for Enthusiasts

2026 Audi Q8

Enthusiasts will prefer the Q8 for its significantly higher output of 335 hp and 369 lb-ft of torque.

💰 Best Value

2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class

The GLE-Class delivers excellent luxury features for a $13,750 lower starting MSRP than the Q8.

Choose the Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class if...

You prioritize keeping monthly running costs down, leveraging the 23 MPG combined fuel rating.
You want to save a substantial $13,750 upfront, as the GLE starts at $61,850.
You prefer a rear-wheel-drive base setup paired with a 9-speed automatic transmission.

Choose the Audi Q8 if...

You frequently drive in inclement weather and value the standard All-Wheel Drive system.
You need the extra 80 horsepower advantage offered by the Q8's 335 hp engine.
You want slightly more storage capacity, as the Q8 offers 33.7 cu ft versus 33.3 cu ft in the GLE.

Key Dimensions

Dimension	Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class	Audi Q8
Length	194.3"	196.0"
Width	76.7"	79.0"
Height	70.7"	67.0"
Wheelbase	117.9"	118.0"

Features Comparison

Safety

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Blind Spot Monitor	✓	✓
Driver Attention Alert	✓	—
Pre-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Post-Collision Safety System	✓	✓
Dual Front Side-Mounted Airbags	✓	✓
Front Head Airbags	✓	✓
Rear Head Airbags	✓	✓
Passenger Airbag Occupant Sensing Deactivation	✓	✓
Electronic Stability Control	✓	✓
Traction Control System	✓	✓
LATCH System	✓	✓
Rear Door Child Safety Locks	✓	✓
Anti-lock Brakes (ABS)	4-Wheel	4-Wheel
Brake Drying	✓	—
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Rear Ventilated Disc Brakes	✓	✓
Brake Preparation System	✓	—
Brake Assist	✓	✓
Tire Pressure Monitoring System	✓	✓
Automatic Headlights	✓	✓
Headlight Delay-Off	✓	✓
LED Headlights	✓	✓
Adaptive Headlights	✓	—
Daytime Running Lights	✓	✓
Integrated Turn Signal Mirrors	✓	✓
Front Headrests	2	2
Front Power Adjustable Headrests	✓	—
Rear Headrests	3	3
Rear Height Adjustable Headrests	✓	✓
Rear Center 3-Point Seatbelt	✓	✓
Anti-Theft Alarm System (Remote)	✓	✓
Engine Immobilizer	✓	✓
Lane Departure Warning	—	✓
Lane Keeping Assist System	—	✓
Rear Cross Traffic Alert	—	✓
Dual Rear Side-Mounted Airbags	—	✓
Headlight Washers	—	✓
Front Height Adjustable Headrests	—	✓

Engine

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Base Engine Displacement	2.0 L	3.0 L
Number of Cylinders	inline 4	V6
Base Engine Type	mild hybrid	mild hybrid
Horsepower	255 hp @ 5800 rpm	335 hp @ 6400 rpm
Torque	295 lb-ft @ 2000 rpm	369 lb-ft @ 1370 rpm
Number of Valves	16	24
Camshaft Type	Double overhead cam (DOHC)	Double overhead cam (DOHC)
Variable Valve Timing	Variable	Variable
Fuel Injection Type	✓	✓

Drive Train

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Transmission Type	9-speed shiftable automatic	8-speed shiftable automatic
Drivetrain Type	rear wheel drive	all wheel drive
Center Differential Type	—	Limited Slip
Hill Descent Control	—	✓

Fuel

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Fuel Type	premium unleaded (required)	premium unleaded (required)
EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway)	21/28 MPG	17/23 MPG
EPA Fuel Economy (Combined)	23 MPG	19 MPG
EPA Driving Range (City/Highway)	472.5/630.0 mi.	382.5/517.5 mi.
Fuel Tank Capacity	22.5 gal.	22.5 gal.

Comfort & Convenience

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Push Button Start	✓	✓
Power Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Transmission Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Cruise Control on Steering Wheel	✓	—
Audio Controls on Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Electric Power Steering	✓	✓
Front View Camera	✓	—
Side View Camera	✓	—
Rear View Camera	✓	✓
Front Parking Sensors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors	✓	—
Automatic Parking Assist	✓	—
Wireless Charging Pad	✓	—
Cruise Control	✓	—
Universal Remote Transmitter	✓	✓
Front Cupholders	✓	✓
Rear Cupholders	✓	✓
Front Door Pockets	✓	✓
Rear Door Pockets	✓	✓
Overhead Console with Storage	✓	—
Front Seatback Storage	✓	✓
Leather Steering Wheel	✓	✓
Dual Zone Climate Control	✓	—
Rear Ventilation Ducts	✓	—
Interior Air Filtration	✓	✓
Dual Vanity Mirrors	✓	✓
Auto-Dimming Rearview Mirror	✓	✓
Turn Signal Indicators in Mirrors	✓	✓
Rear Parking Sensors with Side Sensing	—	✓
Adaptive Cruise Control	—	✓
Three Zone Climate Control	—	✓
Rear Ventilation Ducts with Fan Control	—	✓

In Car Entertainment

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Infotainment Display	12.3 in	10.1 in
AM/FM Stereo	✓	✓
Subwoofer Count	2	—
Android Auto (Wireless)	✓	✓
Apple CarPlay (Wireless)	✓	✓
USB Port	✓	✓
USB Port with External Media Control	✓	✓
Satellite Radio	✓	✓
Satellite Radio Trial Period	6 months	3 months
Stereo Power	—	180W
Speaker System	—	10
Speed Sensitive Volume Control	—	✓

Power Feature

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
One-Touch Power Windows	4	4
Moonroof Type	1st Row Power Glass	1st Row Power Glass Extended
Keyless Entry	✓	✓
Heated Mirrors	✓	✓

Frontseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Front Head Room	40.5 in.	37.1 in.
Front Leg Room	40.3 in.	41.6 in.
Front Shoulder Room	59.3 in.	59.5 in.
Front Hip Room	60.8 in.	—
Seat Material: Leatherette	✓	—
Front Seat Type: Bucket	✓	✓
Driver Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Driver Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Driver Seat Lumbar Support	Power	Power
Driver Seat Memory Settings	3	2
Passenger Seat Power Adjustments	10-way	8-way
Passenger Seat Height Adjustment	✓	✓
Passenger Seat Lumbar Support	Power	—
Passenger Seat Memory Settings	3	—
Driver Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Passenger Seat Heating	Multi-level	Multi-level
Seat Material: Leather	—	✓

Rearseats

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Rear Head Room	36.9 in.	38.1 in.
Rear Leg Room	40.9 in.	40.2 in.
Rear Shoulder Room	58.3 in.	58.5 in.
Rear Hip Room	59.8 in.	—
Split-Folding Rear Seatback	✓	✓
Folding Center Armrest	✓	✓
Reclining Rear Seats	—	✓

Tires and Wheels

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Wheel Material	Alloy	—
Wheel Size	19 x 8.0 in	21 in
Tire Type	All Season	All Season
Tire Size	255/50R19	285/45R21
Spare Tire Type	Temporary	Temporary
Spare Tire Location	Inside Mounted	Inside Mounted
Wheel Finish	—	Painted Alloy

Suspension

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Four-Wheel Independent Suspension	✓	✓
Front Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓
Rear Stabilizer Bar	✓	✓

Warranty

Feature	Mercedes-Benz	Audi
Basic Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Drivetrain Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ 50000 mi.
Hybrid Component Warranty	6 yr./ 62000 mi.	—
Corrosion/Rust Warranty	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	12 yr./ unlimited mi.
Roadside Assistance	4 yr./ 50000 mi.	4 yr./ unlimited mi.
Complimentary Scheduled Maintenance	—	3 yr./ 30000 mi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about comparing the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class and 2026 Audi Q8.

How much more powerful is the 2026 Audi Q8 than the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class?

The Audi Q8 has a distinct advantage in output, delivering 335 horsepower compared to the Mercedes GLE-Class's 255 horsepower, giving the Audi an 80 hp lead. This extra power is supported by the Q8’s 369 lb-ft of torque versus the GLE's 295 lb-ft.

What is the primary difference in running costs based on the MPG ratings?

The Mercedes GLE-Class is the more fuel-efficient choice, achieving 23 MPG combined, whereas the Audi Q8 is rated lower at 19 MPG combined. This 4 MPG difference could result in significant savings over several years of driving, especially since both require premium unleaded fuel.

Which vehicle has a higher base price, and what is the cost gap?

The 2026 Audi Q8 has a significantly higher starting MSRP at $75,600. This makes the 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE-Class the more affordable option by a margin of $13,750.

Does the drivetrain significantly affect the driving dynamics between these two crossovers?

Yes, the base models differ fundamentally: the GLE-Class comes standard with rear-wheel drive (RWD), while the Q8 includes all-wheel drive (AWD). This means the Q8 will inherently offer better traction in slippery conditions.

How close are the physical dimensions, especially cargo space?

The Audi Q8 is slightly longer (196.0 inches vs. 194.3 inches) and notably wider (79.0 inches vs. 76.7 inches). In terms of cargo, the Q8 holds a minor edge at 33.7 cu ft against the GLE's 33.3 cu ft.

Are there any differences in how the transmissions operate?

Both utilize shiftable automatic transmissions, but the Mercedes GLE-Class employs a 9-speed unit, offering one more gear than the 8-speed automatic transmission found in the Audi Q8.